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When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians
"Spend forty days getting to know your persecuted brothers and sisters. With When Faith is Forbidden, you'll journey with the Christians who risk their lives to follow Jesus. Each daily devotional includes inspiration and encouragement through the story of a persecuted believer"--
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2021
240 people are currently reading
965 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
November 6, 2020
Are you overwhelmed by what is happening in your life or the world right now? Do you need a little encouragement? It may seem counterintuitive to read a book filled with stories of loss and persecution. But I read this book at just such a time and found it incredibly encouraging. Because it isn’t just filled with loss and suffering; it’s also filled with grace, love, forgiveness, and hope. We get to see how God sustains His people through everything. They may be suffering beatings in Ethiopia, widowhood in Tajikistan, or death in Iran, but they all speak so eloquently of God’s love. It’s beautiful. It’s encouraging. Please let me encourage you to read it.
We can learn so much from them, and this book makes that very easy. After a Bible verse, each day starts off with the longest section describing either the author’s trip or a brief biography. That’s followed by a lesson drawn from the experiences of or lessons learned by the author or persecuted believer in that section. It ends with a brief prayer and a very short personal memory or impression by the author. It would make for a good daily devotional.
The believers in this book come from a wide range of denominations. Some of the practices mentioned are rather Charismatic. The Gospel is presented as faith alone by Christ alone. I appreciated that clarity in a book about different denominations.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Moody Publishers. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
We can learn so much from them, and this book makes that very easy. After a Bible verse, each day starts off with the longest section describing either the author’s trip or a brief biography. That’s followed by a lesson drawn from the experiences of or lessons learned by the author or persecuted believer in that section. It ends with a brief prayer and a very short personal memory or impression by the author. It would make for a good daily devotional.
The believers in this book come from a wide range of denominations. Some of the practices mentioned are rather Charismatic. The Gospel is presented as faith alone by Christ alone. I appreciated that clarity in a book about different denominations.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Moody Publishers. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
September 24, 2021
In one of the latest books to drop by The Voice of the Martyrs, Todd Nettleton takes us along as he travels to the frontlines of persecuted nations. He shares some incredible stories, gives his thoughts as he journals after long days, and guides us in prayers for those that are sharing their faith under such difficult circumstances. The most amazing part about this book is just reading of the joy our brothers and sisters have as they face prison time, beatings, harassment, and all sorts of unimaginable things. They count it as a blessing to share the Gospel in this way. They recognize that Jesus was willing to do the same for us, so why shouldn’t we be just as happy to face persecution?
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” –Hebrews 12:1,2
If you are not familiar with The Voice of the Martyrs ministry, I highly encourage you to check out their website. A free magazine is available too! Todd Nettleton also hosts a weekly podcast that is always available on their website. www.persecution.com
This is a book that I highly, highly recommend. It’s such an encouragement for us to read their stories and see how God always gives us what we need to handle situations when we want to bring Him glory. Also, the proceeds of these books go to helping spread the Gospel in countries where it is prohibited. So, it’s basically a win for everyone!
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” –Hebrews 12:1,2
If you are not familiar with The Voice of the Martyrs ministry, I highly encourage you to check out their website. A free magazine is available too! Todd Nettleton also hosts a weekly podcast that is always available on their website. www.persecution.com
This is a book that I highly, highly recommend. It’s such an encouragement for us to read their stories and see how God always gives us what we need to handle situations when we want to bring Him glory. Also, the proceeds of these books go to helping spread the Gospel in countries where it is prohibited. So, it’s basically a win for everyone!
January 1, 2022
Yes, I know this book is a devotional book but I read it through and it works pretty well that way too.
This book is an inspiring testimony of the faith of many individual Christians. I recommend it to anyone and everyone, and though I didn't read it as a devotional, I think it would work very well as that.
This book is an inspiring testimony of the faith of many individual Christians. I recommend it to anyone and everyone, and though I didn't read it as a devotional, I think it would work very well as that.
October 1, 2025
This is a VERY convicting book. As American Christians we seem to think if someone laughs at us for our faith, we are being persecuted. We ALL need to read stories of Christians all over the world who know what true persecution is. They are kicked out of their families and houses, beaten, inprisioned, and even murdered for their faith. They are HATED for their faith! Through it all, they are true to their faith in the God who allowed all this into their lives. In fact, they accepted Him even when they KNEW all this would be the result. May we American Christians develop this deep and abiding faith. We may need it in the years to come!
After reading this for the second time, I still agree with the review I previously gave. However, keep in mind that this was and is a review of the BOOK and not the organization. The author is an employee of The Voice of the Martyrs which is a questionable organization. For more details on this, see the one star rating and review by "Random" here on Goodreads. I do not support VOM and received this book for free.
After reading this for the second time, I still agree with the review I previously gave. However, keep in mind that this was and is a review of the BOOK and not the organization. The author is an employee of The Voice of the Martyrs which is a questionable organization. For more details on this, see the one star rating and review by "Random" here on Goodreads. I do not support VOM and received this book for free.
November 7, 2021
-Reading this incredibly powerful book in one sitting is not the best way to fully experience the stories and reflect on one’s own journey- I will for sure be reading this over the course of 40 days as a devotional text in 2022.
Author and Voice of the Martyrs radio host Todd Nettleon shares stories from his time traveling across the globe from 1998-2017 speaking to Christians who have faced persecution. Designed as a 40 day devotional, each day's passage begins with a map of the country's location, and a photograph of the individual or community Nettleton has visited. Before sharing the story of the courageous believers, a Bible verse is included. Each chapter then ends with a reflection, a prayer for our own application of the displayed faith, a journaling space and a snippet of the author’s own journal entires from the dates he was in each location. I loved that this was stylized as a travel journal, with graphics on each page to make it appear to be a rumpled, well used journal- one that I will certainly be marking up even more upon many rereads!
Much like my experience with David Platt’s Radical (which is coincidentally the book that opened my eyes to Christian persecution and led me to discover Voice of the Martyrs), I was left questioning my own faith after, and while, reading this book. It’s one thing to say that I believe God will always provide, always deliver peace and always make a way, but it’s another to see people living in dangerous situations truly practicing and believing these things. I am always in awe when reading stories of those persecuted for their faith in Jesus- not for the conditions and oftentimes torture they endure, but for their unshakeable faith. What most would call suffering is seen as an opportunity for God to use them to reach those who would otherwise be unreachable, with many of the individuals being interviewed expressing joy at their circumstances. That's conviction! I'm still amazed at the stories of wives who forgave the murderers of their husbands within 24 hours-the power of God is just incredible.
Those of us living in countries with religious freedom can only aspire to emulate this level of faith and reliance upon God. While Jesus makes it clear we will experience trials in His name(2 Tim 3:12), we cannot understand His true power until we are tested in the way such as the featured believers in this book.
Author and Voice of the Martyrs radio host Todd Nettleon shares stories from his time traveling across the globe from 1998-2017 speaking to Christians who have faced persecution. Designed as a 40 day devotional, each day's passage begins with a map of the country's location, and a photograph of the individual or community Nettleton has visited. Before sharing the story of the courageous believers, a Bible verse is included. Each chapter then ends with a reflection, a prayer for our own application of the displayed faith, a journaling space and a snippet of the author’s own journal entires from the dates he was in each location. I loved that this was stylized as a travel journal, with graphics on each page to make it appear to be a rumpled, well used journal- one that I will certainly be marking up even more upon many rereads!
Much like my experience with David Platt’s Radical (which is coincidentally the book that opened my eyes to Christian persecution and led me to discover Voice of the Martyrs), I was left questioning my own faith after, and while, reading this book. It’s one thing to say that I believe God will always provide, always deliver peace and always make a way, but it’s another to see people living in dangerous situations truly practicing and believing these things. I am always in awe when reading stories of those persecuted for their faith in Jesus- not for the conditions and oftentimes torture they endure, but for their unshakeable faith. What most would call suffering is seen as an opportunity for God to use them to reach those who would otherwise be unreachable, with many of the individuals being interviewed expressing joy at their circumstances. That's conviction! I'm still amazed at the stories of wives who forgave the murderers of their husbands within 24 hours-the power of God is just incredible.
Those of us living in countries with religious freedom can only aspire to emulate this level of faith and reliance upon God. While Jesus makes it clear we will experience trials in His name(2 Tim 3:12), we cannot understand His true power until we are tested in the way such as the featured believers in this book.
June 17, 2021
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
This devotional shares the stories of many of the witnesses who can encourage us that following Christ is worth the cost. A good book to underline and scribble over! It includes questions and lines for journaling. I've already given two copies away, and want to buy more.
This devotional shares the stories of many of the witnesses who can encourage us that following Christ is worth the cost. A good book to underline and scribble over! It includes questions and lines for journaling. I've already given two copies away, and want to buy more.
March 14, 2025
Though I started by reading only one story per day, I ended up listening to the stories consecutively. I thought the book’s layout was very well done, and I appreciated the inspiring stories of believers around the world.
September 10, 2022
Eye opening, humbling, & encouraging
December 17, 2023
I received this book for free as a subscriber to Voice of the Martyrs. As I greatly admire the organization and the priority they place on helping our persecuted brethren, I figured it was worth a read.
Short, journal-type entries from a front line worker with VOM as he visits brethren in various restricted nations. Very engaging narrative.. sometimes I tend to wonder if the great faith of out forefathers died with the generations of Br Andrew, Corrie Ten Boom, and the Elliots.. but VOM brings forth great examples of jaw-dropping faith in saints living today. I love these stories of great contemporary heroes!
Each chapter ends with a prayer and some blank lines to allow you to make it your own, to challenge you to grow in faith.
Short, journal-type entries from a front line worker with VOM as he visits brethren in various restricted nations. Very engaging narrative.. sometimes I tend to wonder if the great faith of out forefathers died with the generations of Br Andrew, Corrie Ten Boom, and the Elliots.. but VOM brings forth great examples of jaw-dropping faith in saints living today. I love these stories of great contemporary heroes!
Each chapter ends with a prayer and some blank lines to allow you to make it your own, to challenge you to grow in faith.
March 9, 2025
A wonderful devotional which gave me a needed perspective of what it is like to be a faithful follower of Christ where it is very difficult.
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February 20, 2024This is a book I wanted to love wholeheartedly, but the writing got in the way. Each devotional tells a story from a persecuted Christian from around the globe. Not just being judged or maligned but life and death, losing home and family persecution. The stories were inspiring and really made me think about my faith and actions. The problem was the stories felt focused on the author/interviewer and not my fellow Christians risking their lives to share Jesus with the world. Each devotional also included a reflection, prayer, journaling space, and an excerpt from the author's journal kept at the time of his travels. These were fine except for the author's journal excerpts which sometimes felt off-the-wall and detracted from the rest of the devotional.
Also a personal annoyance, the pages were designed to look as though the had been folded. This bothered me while I was reading, but may not be a big deal to others.
Also a personal annoyance, the pages were designed to look as though the had been folded. This bothered me while I was reading, but may not be a big deal to others.
September 15, 2021
This was a gift from VOM, for which I am grateful. I found this book to be a good addition to daily Bible reading, with each day a short description of the author's encounter with persecuted Christians in various corners of the world.
May 22, 2024
This was the inspirational account of about three dozen Christians living and serving God in various countries in the world where Christianity is not allowed or is frowned upon. This worked well as a devotional book because of its short chapters and format. Each chapter told of a Christian living under persecution, most of whom Nettleton met, and how they not only survived but spiritually thrived despite their dire situations. Their personal circumstances varied, their countries varied, but their faith endured torture, threats, attempts on their lives.
Each chapter told a story of an individual, sometimes including Nettleton's conversations with them. Then Nettleton provided a challenging reflection, a prayer, a spot for a journal entry, and a comment from his personal journals. Sometimes he added quotes by others.
In the past I thought that reading of persecution would be daunting and discouraging. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it is tremendously inspiring as you read of God's presence during dire circumstances. Reading of authentic Christianity lived out today without petty denominationalism or bickering over inconsequential things stirs the blood and inspires the heart. The challenge at the end hits the mark. I highly recommend this book to encourage your faith and your Christian walk.
Each chapter told a story of an individual, sometimes including Nettleton's conversations with them. Then Nettleton provided a challenging reflection, a prayer, a spot for a journal entry, and a comment from his personal journals. Sometimes he added quotes by others.
In the past I thought that reading of persecution would be daunting and discouraging. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it is tremendously inspiring as you read of God's presence during dire circumstances. Reading of authentic Christianity lived out today without petty denominationalism or bickering over inconsequential things stirs the blood and inspires the heart. The challenge at the end hits the mark. I highly recommend this book to encourage your faith and your Christian walk.
September 6, 2023
Stories and words to encourage you to pray for the persecuted church. To become more aware of the brothers and sisters that are sacrificing their lives for His sake. To become more willing to serve God fully and to become more dependent on Him.
Let’s be as fiery as the persecuted church. Let’s memorise Bible verses. Let’s step out to our enemies, neighbours, friends and families and tell them about who He is.
Let’s be as fiery as the persecuted church. Let’s memorise Bible verses. Let’s step out to our enemies, neighbours, friends and families and tell them about who He is.
March 10, 2025
When you're a Christian who is blessed to live in the USA, it can be easy to forget just how good Christians have it here in the sense that Christians are allowed to follow and practice Christianity. Reading this book took me more than 40 days- one chapter a day. I wanted to take my time with it and let each story leave its impact. These people and their stories are incredible. I will be reading this again.
December 8, 2023
This book was incredible, I read this every night before bed and it was almost like a daily devotional but it was missionary biographies of people who have laid down their life for Christ over the world, helped grow my world vision and stirred me to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world a lot more
June 25, 2023
I was gonna give this book 4 stars, because I felt like the stories were way too short, and I wanted to hear more, but I couldn't. For how short it was, this was an incredibly powerful book. There are a couple tears in my eyes.
February 11, 2025
Couldn’t put this one down. Heart wrenching, inspiring, and convicting. An incredible reminder of my comfort and resources, and yet still being called to suffer like Christ. Grateful for these stories and these brothers and sisters in Christ.
June 28, 2023
Solid, hope-filled, encouraging.
April 6, 2024
An excellent read, showing not only the faith of persecuted Christians all over the world, but practical ways to pray for them.
January 29, 2025
Loved this book! Such amazing testimonies that have encouraged me in my faith!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2021
Rating this a five because of its impact on my life. How inspiring to meet Christians standing strong against persecution in this book! If they can stand strong and bold in the face of a nation entirely against them, I can be bold enough to talk about Jesus to my neighbor.
June 4, 2023
I am so encouraged by what God is doing in believers around the globe, and their boldness in the faith. These stories caused me to tear up multiple times in undeserving gratitude, awe, and wonder at Gods glory. 10/10 recommend.
February 28, 2022
The people of whom these stories were written deserve 5 stars. I used this book as a daily devotional to supplement my normal Bible reading. There was not a day that I was not challenged, and on many days shed tears. I am thankful for these fellow exiles who give us examples of how we are to live in a world that does not know our King.
February 16, 2025
Read this book!
July 7, 2025
Powerful! This is what following Christ is all about, but we in the West rarely ever face.
July 12, 2022
This book is powerful. After finishing it and laying it on the table I had to pause because I was having a hard time stepping back into my reality.
December 23, 2024
Prior to reading this book, I was not all that interested in missions. That is to say that I was not terribly inspired to do mission work, but was content to let others handle that and to support them especially considering my present lot in life not being conducive to just picking up and going.
Now, however, I see how blank and somewhat fruitless my ministerial work and day-to-day faith-life really are. As an American I am frankly quite spoiled. While I have been critical for years of the Laodicean state of the Churches of America, I have not seen just how precisely devoid of cross-bearing sacrifice our lifestyles truly are.
Sadly, in a society that has unprecedented literacy rates and Bible availability and tolerance of diversity in beliefs, few people take the time to exercise any one of those things in the interest of spreading the Gospel. I'm fully confident that Jesus will spew many of us out of His mouth someday.
Needless to say, no Christian would desire to be complicit with such a cause and this book will help you to realize that you need to be rescued by that mindset. I would strongly urge any "1st-world" Believer to read this book. We don't necessarily have to get on a plane or a boat and move across the world to fulfill the Great Commission as there is plenty of Kingdom work to be done right here in Laodicea, but this book will most certainly incite you to get moving on to that path.
Now, however, I see how blank and somewhat fruitless my ministerial work and day-to-day faith-life really are. As an American I am frankly quite spoiled. While I have been critical for years of the Laodicean state of the Churches of America, I have not seen just how precisely devoid of cross-bearing sacrifice our lifestyles truly are.
Sadly, in a society that has unprecedented literacy rates and Bible availability and tolerance of diversity in beliefs, few people take the time to exercise any one of those things in the interest of spreading the Gospel. I'm fully confident that Jesus will spew many of us out of His mouth someday.
Needless to say, no Christian would desire to be complicit with such a cause and this book will help you to realize that you need to be rescued by that mindset. I would strongly urge any "1st-world" Believer to read this book. We don't necessarily have to get on a plane or a boat and move across the world to fulfill the Great Commission as there is plenty of Kingdom work to be done right here in Laodicea, but this book will most certainly incite you to get moving on to that path.
June 22, 2023
A lot of great real-life stories of Christians who are totally committed. The verses and reflections go well. Much to think about and reflect on.
Notes: pages 96/97, Day 15 A Testimony in the Ground, page 146/147 Listen to VOMRadio.net/weknow and Quotes to Consider, page 176/177 Listen to VOMradio.net/Semse, Dy 30 "In The Steps of the Apostles," page 230/231 people who have never seen a Bible and have no concept of who Jesus is, page 236/237 1 John 5:4 "overcomes" part of Greek word also is "to conquer, to come out victorious" still working towards a point of forgiveness - "Ask Him to soften your heart. Seek His divine power to enable you to "overcome," to completely forgive and lay aside the hurt, anger, or bitterness you feel." and Notes on page 271.
Notes: pages 96/97, Day 15 A Testimony in the Ground, page 146/147 Listen to VOMRadio.net/weknow and Quotes to Consider, page 176/177 Listen to VOMradio.net/Semse, Dy 30 "In The Steps of the Apostles," page 230/231 people who have never seen a Bible and have no concept of who Jesus is, page 236/237 1 John 5:4 "overcomes" part of Greek word also is "to conquer, to come out victorious" still working towards a point of forgiveness - "Ask Him to soften your heart. Seek His divine power to enable you to "overcome," to completely forgive and lay aside the hurt, anger, or bitterness you feel." and Notes on page 271.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2021
***DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FOR FREE FROM MOODY PUBLISHERS TO REVIEW***
Nettleton’s book certainly raises awareness about the Christians that are getting persecuted around the world. It is important to be reminded of that fact. What’s also important is discernment and good theology. I found the discernment to be lacking in this book. Moreover, the theology could have been more technically sound. Despite the book’s obvious shortcomings, Nettleton’s book is not a waste of time. Anyone who reads this book should read it with discernment. Every Christian who reads this should be reminded to keep the persecuted Christians in prayer.
Nettleton’s book certainly raises awareness about the Christians that are getting persecuted around the world. It is important to be reminded of that fact. What’s also important is discernment and good theology. I found the discernment to be lacking in this book. Moreover, the theology could have been more technically sound. Despite the book’s obvious shortcomings, Nettleton’s book is not a waste of time. Anyone who reads this book should read it with discernment. Every Christian who reads this should be reminded to keep the persecuted Christians in prayer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews